Drug interactions
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Citalopram: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Effervescent aspirin formulations deliver full-dose analgesic aspirin, which inhibits platelets and irritates the gastric mucosa. With citalopram, the risk of bleeding, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive platelet inhibition from SSRI serotonin depletion and aspirin COX-1 inhibition, plus mucosal injury.
What to do
Prefer paracetamol for analgesia where appropriate. If aspirin is needed, monitor for bleeding and consider a proton pump inhibitor.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Effervescent aspirin formulations deliver full-dose analgesic aspirin, which inhibits platelets and irritates the gastric mucosa. With citalopram, the risk of bleeding, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer paracetamol for analgesia where appropriate. If aspirin is needed, monitor for bleeding and consider a proton pump inhibitor.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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